Kentucky bourbon

Taken individually, bourbon and country ham are both quite lovely gifts from nature to humanity, and they have a lot in common. Each starts out as a mundane farm foodstuff (corn, barley, swine) and, with deft handling and time, is converted to a truly special product that's much sought-after by epicureans. Not coincidentally, the commonwealth of Kentucky is well known as a source of both premium country ham and the finest bourbons. So it stands to reason that Kentucky’s two most famous exports that aren’t equine should taste great together, and boy, do they!

All the big-name bourbon makers gathered in Louisville last weekend to discuss the issues impacting their industry — most notably the surging demand for barrel-aged booze and shortfalls on the supply side. Chris Chamberlain reports from the Bluegrass State.

Eight generations ago, veteran journalist Michael Lindenberger's grandfather was a settler in Louisville, where Kentucky bourbon was born. His new project, Bourbon Story Magazine, celebrates bourbon's influence on American history, as well as how and why it ended up in rocks glasses all over the world. Show your favorite brown spirit how much you really love it.

Two signs hanging in the Old Rip Van Winkle Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky best sum up the attitudes of the traditional players in the bourbon business. One is the company motto. “We make fine bourbon — at a profit if we can, at a loss if we must, but always fine bourbon.” The other is a direct shot across the bow to a growing number of modern distillers who use sophisticated technology to, essentially, cheat time. “No scientists allowed in this distillery,” the sign reads. But there is a new wave of accelerated aging out there. A look at the history — and future — of bourbon aging, after the jump.

It's Kentucky Derby time! That means we're breaking out the steel cups and brush up on your mint-muddling skills (yes, there is a science to it) or go the extra mile and infuse your ice. Remember: all bourbon is great, but not all great bourbon comes from Kentucky, so branch out with a new bottle and these 8 great bourbon cocktail recipes, otherwise known as racing fuel.

Earlier this month, we were invited to visit the historic Woodford Reserve distillery in Versailles, KY to take part in their Bourbon Academy and be among the first to taste the latest release in Woodford's Master's Collection series. Trip details, after the jump.

The big race in Kentucky this weekend is synonymous with extravagant hats, ballsy bets and cocktails served in icy silver cups. That’s right: julep season is upon us. Time to stock up on bourbon. And why not splurge on a good craft bourbon whiskey now that so many are readily available? Here are 8 to keep an eye out for this season.

Over the weekend it was announced that Maker's Mark will reduce their APV by 6.7%, dropping the 90 proof to 84. The company’s spokesman Rob Samuels (the C.O.O. and Ambassador-in-Chief) wrote a letter to fans assuring them that the change would not alter the flavor. But are fans buying it?